System and method providing over current protection based on duty cycle information for power converter

ABSTRACT

System and method for protecting a power converter. An example system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator.

1. CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201310015152.4, filed Jan. 15, 2013, commonly assigned, incorporated byreference herein for all purposes. In addition, this application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/005,427,filed Jan. 12, 2011, claiming priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201010587658.9, filed Dec. 8, 2010, both of these applications beingcommonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Additionally, this application is related to U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 11/213,657, 12/125,033, 11/752,926, 12/690,808, and13/205,417, commonly assigned, incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the invention provides a control system and method forover-current protection and over-power protection. Merely by way ofexample, the invention has been applied to a power converter. But itwould be recognized that the invention has a much broader range ofapplicability.

Power converters are widely used for consumer electronics such asportable devices. The power converters can convert electric power fromone form to another form. As an example, the electric power istransformed from alternate current (AC) to direct current (DC), from DCto AC, from AC to AC, or from DC to DC. Additionally, the powerconverters can convert the electric power from one voltage level toanother voltage level.

The power converters include linear converters and switch-modeconverters. The switch-mode converters often use pulse-width-modulated(PWM) or pulse-frequency-modulated mechanisms. These mechanisms areusually implemented with a switch-mode controller including variousprotection components. These components can provide over-voltageprotection, over-temperature protection, over-current protection (OCP),and over-power protection (OPP). These protections can often prevent thepower converters and connected circuitries from suffering permanentdamage.

For example, a power converter includes a switch and transformer windingthat is in series with the switch. The current flowing through theswitch and transformer winding may be limited by an OCP system. If theOCP system is not effective, the current can reach a level at whichdamage to the switch is imminent due to excessive current and voltagestress at switching or thermal run-away during operation. For example,this current level can be reached when the output short circuit or overloading occurs. Consequently, the rectifier components on thetransformer secondary side are subject to permanent damage due toexcessive voltage and current stress in many offline flyback converters.Hence an effective OCP system is important for a reliable switch-modeconverter.

FIG. 1 is a simplified conventional switch-mode converter withover-current protection. A switch-mode converter 100 includes an OCPcomparator 110, a PWM controller component 120, a gate driver 130, aswitch 140, resistors 150, 152, 154, and 156, and a primary winding 160.The OCP comparator 110, the PWM controller component 120, and the gatedriver 130 are parts of a chip 180 for PWM control.

For example, the PWM controller component 120 generates a PWM signal122, which is received by the gate driver 130. In yet another example,the OCP comparator 110 receives and compares an over-current thresholdsignal 112 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) and a current sensing signal 114(e.g., V_(CS)), and sends an over-current control signal 116 to the PWMcontroller component 120. When the current of the primary winding isgreater than a limiting level, the PWM controller component 120 turnsoff the switch 140 and shuts down the switch-mode power converter 100.

For switch-mode converter, a cycle-by-cycle or pulse-by-pulse controlmechanism is often used for OCP. For example, the cycle-by-cycle controlscheme limits the maximum current and thus the maximum power deliveredby the switch-mode converter. This limitation on maximum power canprotect the power converter from thermal run-away. Some conventional OCPsystems use an adjustable OCP threshold value based on line inputvoltage, but the actual limitation on maximum current and thus maximumpower is not always constant over a wide range of line input voltage.Other conventional OCP systems use additional resistors 152 and 154 thatare external to the chip 180 and inserted between V_(in) and theresistor 150 as shown in FIG. 1. But the resistor 152 consumessignificant power, which often is undesirable for meeting stringentrequirements on low standby power. For example, the resistor 152 of 2 MΩcan dissipate about 70 mW with input AC voltage of 264 volts.

As shown in FIG. 1, the current limit is expressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{I_{Limit} = {{\frac{V_{in}}{L_{p}} \times t_{on}} = \frac{V_{{th}\_ {oc}}}{R_{s}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \right)\end{matrix}$

where I_(Limit) represents the current limit. For example, the currentlimit is the current threshold for triggering over-current protection.Additionally, V_(in) is a bulk voltage (e.g., associated with the lineinput voltage VAC) at node 190, and V_(th) _(_) _(oc) is the voltagelevel at an input terminal 112 of the OCP comparator 110. R_(s) is theresistance of the resistor 150, and L is the inductance of the primarywinding 160. Moreover, t_(on) represents on time of the switch 140 foreach cycle. Accordingly, the maximum energy ε stored in the primarywinding 160 is

ε=½×L _(p) ×I _(Limit) ² =PT  (Equation 2)

where T represents the clock period, and P represents the maximum power.So the maximum power P can be expressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{P = {\frac{L_{p} \times I_{Limit}^{2}}{2\; T} = \frac{V_{in}^{2} \times t_{on}^{2}}{2 \times L_{p} \times T}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 3} \right)\end{matrix}$

Therefore the power can be limited by controlling the current limitI_(Limit). But Equation 3 does not take into account the “delay tooutput” that includes the propagation delay through a current sense pathto the switch 140. For example, the propagation delay includespropagation delays through the OCP comparator 110, the PWM controllercomponent 120, the gate driver 130, and the response delay of turningoff of the switch 140. During the “delay to output,” the switch 140remains on, and the input current through the switch 140 keeps rampingup despite the current has already reached the threshold level of theOCP comparator 110. The extra current ramping amplitude, ΔI, due to the“delay to output” is proportional to the bulk voltage V_(in) as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta \; I} = {\frac{V_{in}}{L_{p}} \times T_{delay}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 4} \right)\end{matrix}$

where T_(delay) represents the “delay to output.”

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship betweenextra current ramping amplitude and bulk voltage. As shown in FIG. 2,the actual maximum current I_(PEAK1) that corresponds to higher V_(in)is larger than the actual maximum current I_(PEAK2) that corresponds tolower V_(in). Accordingly, the actual maximum power is not constant overa wide range of bulk voltage. Hence the actual maximum power isexpressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{P = {\frac{L_{p} \times \left( {I_{Limit} + {\Delta \; I}} \right)^{2}}{2\; T} = \frac{V_{in}^{2} \times \left( {t_{on} + T_{delay}} \right)^{2}}{2 \times L_{p} \times T}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 5} \right)\end{matrix}$

For example, T_(delay) depends on internal delays, gate charges, andcircuitry related to the gate driver 130. In another example, for thepredetermined switch-mode converter 100, T_(delay) is constant, andhence the actual maximum power depends on the bulk voltage. Tocompensate for variations of the actual maximum power, the threshold forover-current protection should be adjusted based on the bulk voltage.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship betweencurrent threshold and bulk voltage. The bulk voltage V_(in2) is lowerthan the bulk voltage V_(in1) and the current threshold I_(th) _(_)_(oc) _(_) _(vin2) for V_(in2) is larger than I_(th) _(_) _(oc) _(_)_(vin1) for V_(in1) as shown in FIG. 3. The current threshold decreaseswith increasing bulk voltage V_(in). At the current threshold, theover-current protection is triggered. The resulting maximum currentI_(PEAK1) for higher V_(in) is the same as the resulting maximum currentI_(PEAK2) for lower V_(in).

For example, the current threshold has the following relationship withthe bulk voltage:

$\begin{matrix}{I_{{th}\_ {oc}} \approx {{I_{{th}\_ {oc}}\left( V_{{in}\; 1} \right)} - {\frac{V_{in} - V_{{in}\; 1}}{L_{P}}T_{delay}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 6} \right)\end{matrix}$

where I_(th) _(_) _(oc) is the current threshold, V_(in) is the bulkvoltage, L_(p) is the inductance of the primary winding, and T_(delay)is the “delay to output.” Additionally, I_(th) _(_) _(oc)(V_(in1)) isthe current threshold that is predetermined for the bulk voltageV_(in1). For example, V_(in1) is the minimum bulk voltage. In anotherexample, the current is sensed that flows through the switch and theprimary winding. If the sensed current reaches I_(th) _(_) _(oc), thePWM controller component sends a signal to turn off the switch. After“delay to output,” the switch is turned off.

In Equation 6, the second term

$\frac{V_{in} - V_{{in}\; 1}}{L_{p}}T_{delay}$

represents a threshold offset to compensate for the effects of “delay tooutput.” FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing conventionalrelationship between threshold offset and bulk voltage. As shown in FIG.4, the term

$\frac{T_{delay}}{L_{p}}$

is the slope that depends on the “delay to output” and the inductance ofprimary winding. As shown in FIG. 4, the current threshold decreaseswith increasing bulk voltage.

There are at least two conventional approaches to implement the currentthreshold as a function of bulk voltage according to FIG. 4. In oneexample, the bulk voltage is sensed to generate an offset DC voltageproportional to bulk voltage in order to compensate for the effects of“delay to output” as shown in Equation 6.

In another example, the bulk voltage is sensed based on the maximumwidth of the PWM signal. The PWM signal is applied to the gate of aswitch in series to the primary winding of a power converter. FIG. 5 isa simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between PWMsignal maximum width and bulk voltage. As shown in FIG. 5, the maximumcurrent is constant with respect to bulk voltage, and the maximum widthof PWM signal varies with bulk voltage. The maximum current I_(PEAK1)equals the maximum current I_(PEAK2). The maximum current I_(PEAK1)corresponds to a higher bulk voltage and a PWM signal 510, and themaximum current I_(PEAK2) corresponds to a lower bulk voltage and a PWMsignal 520. As shown in FIG. 5, the maximum width for the PWM signal 510is narrower for higher bulk voltage, and the maximum width for the PWMsignal 520 is wider for lower bulk voltage. The bulk voltage isrepresented by the maximum width of the PWM signal if the maximumcurrent is constant with respect to bulk voltage. Accordingly, themaximum width of the PWM signal can be used to determine the thresholdoffset to compensate for the effects of “delay to output” as shown inEquation 6.

According to FIG. 5, the compensation can be realized by generating acurrent threshold, I_(th) _(_) _(oc), which is a function of the maximumwidth of the PWM signal. For example, the current threshold is equal toI_(th) _(_) _(oc) _(_) ₁ for the PWM signal 510 and I_(th) _(_) _(oc)_(_) ₂ for the PWM signal 520. In another example, the slope of I_(th)_(_) _(oc) with respect to the maximum width is properly chosen tocompensate for the effects of “delay to output” as shown in Equation 6.The selected slope takes into account information about power convertercomponents that are external to the chip for PWM control. The externalcomponents may include the primary winding, a current sensing resistorand a power MOSFET.

Additionally, to achieve high efficiency, a power converter usuallyworks in CCM mode at low bulk voltage and works in DCM mode at high bulkvoltage. FIG. 6 shows simplified conventional current profiles forprimary winding in CCM mode and DCM mode. The current profiles describecurrent magnitudes as functions of time. As shown in FIG. 6(a), thecurrent for primary winding increases from I_L to a current limit I_p1within a pulse width at each cycle in DCM mode. For example, I_L isequal to zero. The energy delivered to the load at each cycle is

ε=½×L _(p)×(I_p1)²  (Equation 7)

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the current for primary windingincreases from I_i2 to a current limit I_p2 within a pulse width at eachcycle in CCM mode. For example, I_i2 is larger than zero. The energydelivered to the load at each cycle is

ε=½×L _(p)×[(I_p2)²−(I_i2)²]  (Equation 8)

where the ratio of

$\frac{{I\_ i}\; 2}{{I\_ p}\; 2}$

can vary with bulk voltage. For example, the ratio increases withdecreasing bulk voltage. As described in Equations 7 and 8, if the twocurrent limits I_p1 and I_p2 are equal, the amount of energy deliveredto the load in DCM mode is higher than the amount of energy delivered tothe load in CCM mode at each cycle.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram for maximum energy delivered to loadat each cycle as a conventional function of bulk voltage. As a functionof bulk voltage, the current limit, which equals either I_p1 or I_p2, isadjusted to compensate for “delay to output” as shown in FIG. 4, butdifferences between Equations 7 and 8 have not been taken into account.Also, FIG. 7 does not appear to have taken into account the varyingratio of

$\frac{{I\_ i}\; 2}{{I\_ p}\; 2}.$

Hence the maximum energy is not constant over the entire range of bulkvoltage. For example, as shown by a curve 1300, the maximum energydecreases significantly with decreasing bulk voltage in CCM mode, eventhough the maximum energy appears substantially constant in the DCMmode.

In order to improve consistency of maximum energy in the CCM mode andthe DCM mode, the compensation slope for the current threshold or thecorresponding voltage threshold can be made different in differentmodes. Specifically, as shown in Equations 7 and 8, the compensationslope in the CCM mode is greater than the compensation slope in the DCMmode in magnitude.

But the maximum energy of the power converter can also be affected byother characteristics of the system. Hence it is highly desirable toimprove techniques for over-current protection and over-powerprotection.

3. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the invention provides a control system and method forover-current protection and over-power protection. Merely by way ofexample, the invention has been applied to a power converter. But itwould be recognized that the invention has a much broader range ofapplicability.

According to one embodiment, a system controller for protecting a powerconverter includes a signal generator a comparator, and a modulation anddrive component. The signal generator is configured to generate athreshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the thresholdsignal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the threshold signal andthe current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to thesignal generator and configured to receive at least the comparisonsignal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associatedwith the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch inorder to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associatedwith one or more first switching periods and a second switching periodfollowing the one or more first switching periods, the one or more firstswitching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles. Thesignal generator is further configured to, for the second switchingperiod, determine a first threshold signal value based on at leastinformation associated with the one or more first duty cycles, andgenerate the threshold signal equal to the determined first thresholdsignal value, the threshold signal being constant in magnitude as afunction of time for the second switching period.

According to another embodiment, a system controller for protecting apower converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more firstduty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period andan off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, forthe second switching period, determine a first threshold signal valuebased on at least information associated with the one or more first dutycycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if thetime satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate thethreshold signal equal to the determined first threshold signal value sothat the threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of thetime, and if the time satisfies one or more second predeterminedconditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signaldecreases with the increasing time in magnitude.

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protectinga power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more firstduty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period andan off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, forthe second switching period, determine a first threshold signal valuebased on at least information associated with the one or more first dutycycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and ifthe time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generatethe threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from thedetermined first threshold signal value, with the increasing time inmagnitude.

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protectinga power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with a plurality of switching periods, each of the pluralityof switching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period.The signal generator is further configured to, for each of the pluralityof switching periods, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-timeperiod, if the time satisfies one or more first predeterminedconditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signalincreases with the increasing time in magnitude, and if the timesatisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generate thethreshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with theincreasing time in magnitude.

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting apower converter includes a modulation and drive component, aramping-signal generator, a sampling-signal generator, and asample-and-hold component. The modulation and drive component isconfigured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to aswitch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configuredto receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based onat least information associated with the modulation signal. Thesampling-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signaland generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to afalling edge of the modulation signal. The sample-and-hold component isconfigured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal andoutput a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of theramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal.

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting apower converter includes a modulation and drive component, aramping-signal generator, a sample-and-hold component, a filter-signalgenerator, and a low-pass filter. The modulation and drive component isconfigured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to aswitch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configuredto receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based onat least information associated with the modulation signal. Thesample-and-hold component is configured to receive the ramping signaland the modulation signal and output a sampled-and-held signalassociated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to themodulation signal. The filter-signal generator is configured to receivethe modulation signal and generate a filter signal based on at leastinformation associated with the modulation signal. The low-pass filteris configured to receive the filter signal and the sampled-and-heldsignal and, in response to the filter signal, generate a first signalbased on at least information associated with the sampled-and-heldsignal.

In one embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes,generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and acurrent sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. In addition, the method includes receiving at least thecomparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at leastinformation associated with the comparison signal, the drive signalbeing associated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more dutycycles, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affectthe primary current. The process for generating a threshold signalincludes, for the second switching period, determining a thresholdsignal value based on at least information associated with the one ormore duty cycles; and generating the threshold signal equal to thedetermined threshold signal value, the threshold signal being constantin magnitude as a function of time for the second switching period.

In another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converterincludes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signaland a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. The method further includes receiving at least the comparisonsignal, generating a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associatedwith one or more first switching periods and a second switching periodfollowing the one or more first switching periods, the one or more firstswitching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the secondswitching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, andoutputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primarycurrent. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for thesecond switching period, determining a threshold signal value based onat least information associated with the one or more duty cycles,setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the timesatisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generating thethreshold signal equal to the determined threshold signal value so thatthe threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of the time,and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions,generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreaseswith the increasing time in magnitude.

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converterincludes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signaland a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparisonsignal, generating a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associatedwith one or more first switching periods and a second switching periodfollowing the one or more first switching periods, the one or more firstswitching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the secondswitching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, andoutputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primarycurrent. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for thesecond switching period, determining a threshold signal value based onat least information associated with the one or more duty cycles,setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and if thetime satisfies one or more predetermined conditions, generating thethreshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from thedetermined threshold signal value, with the increasing time inmagnitude.

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converterincludes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signaland a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparisonsignal, generating a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associatedwith a plurality of switching periods, each of the plurality ofswitching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period,and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect theprimary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes,for each of the plurality of switching periods, setting a time to zeroat a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or morefirst predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so thatthe threshold signal increases with the increasing time in magnitude,and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions,generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreaseswith the increasing time in magnitude.

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal forprotecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal tooutput a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary currentflowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving themodulation signal, and processing information associated with themodulation signal. The method further includes, generating a rampingsignal based on at least information associated with the modulationsignal, generating a sampling signal including a pulse in response to afalling edge of the modulation signal, receiving the sampling signal andthe ramping signal, and outputting a sampled-and-held signal associatedwith a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of thesampling signal.

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal forprotecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal tooutput a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary currentflowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving themodulation signal, and processing information associated with themodulation signal. The method further includes, generating a rampingsignal based on at least information associated with the modulationsignal, generating a filter signal based on at least informationassociated with the modulation signal, and receiving the ramping signaland the modulation signal. In addition, the method includes, outputtinga sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the rampingsignal in response to the modulation signal, receiving the filter signaland the sampled-and-held signal, and generating, in response to thefilter signal, a first signal based on at least information associatedwith the sampled-and-held signal.

Depending upon embodiment, one or more benefits may be achieved. Thesebenefits and various additional objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention can be fully appreciated with reference to thedetailed description and accompanying drawings that follow.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified conventional switch-mode converter withover-current protection;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship betweenextra current ramping amplitude and bulk voltage;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship betweencurrent threshold and bulk voltage;

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship betweenthreshold offset and bulk voltage;

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship betweenPWM signal maximum width and bulk voltage;

FIG. 6 shows simplified conventional current profiles for primarywinding in CCM mode and DCM mode;

FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram for maximum energy delivered to loadat each cycle as a conventional function of bulk voltage;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are simplified timing diagrams for a switch-mode convertercorresponding to different bulk voltages in the CCM mode;

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing effect of change in the bulkvoltage V_(in) on the current sensing signal for the conventionalswitch-mode converter;

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing correction to voltage pulse ofthe current sensing signal;

FIG. 12 is a simplified power converter with over-current protectionaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal asshown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulkvoltage according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protectionaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter asshown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14(c) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protectionaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15(b) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 15(a) according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 16(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protectionaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter asshown in FIG. 16(a) according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the powerconverter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection according toyet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal asshown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulkvoltage according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection withover-current protection according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter asshown in FIG. 19(a) according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal asshown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulkvoltage according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection withover-current protection according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter asshown in FIG. 21(a) according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal asshown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulkvoltage according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the invention provides a control system and method forover-current protection and over-power protection. Merely by way ofexample, the invention has been applied to a power converter. But itwould be recognized that the invention has a much broader range ofapplicability.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are simplified timing diagrams for a switch-mode convertercorresponding to different bulk voltages in the CCM mode. For example,the bulk voltage for FIG. 8 is higher than the bulk voltage for FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 8, curves 2810, 2820, 2830, and 2840 represent thetiming diagrams for a clock signal (e.g., CLK), a PWM signal (e.g.,PWM), an over-current threshold signal (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)), and acurrent sensing signal (e.g., V_(CS)) respectively. For example, theclock signal is in sync with the PWM signal. In another example, the PWMsignal is generated by a PWM controller component. In yet anotherexample, the over-current threshold signal is received by an OCPcomparator, and the current sensing signal is also received by the OCPcomparator. As shown in FIG. 8, the curve 2830 indicates that theover-current threshold signal changes between a lower limit of V_(th)_(_) ₀ and an upper limit of V_(clamp), and the slope of the timingdiagram in the CCM mode is greater than the slope of the timing diagramin the DCM mode.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, curves 2910, 2920, 2930, and 2940represent the timing diagrams for the clock signal (e.g., CLK), the PWMsignal (e.g., PWM), the over-current threshold signal (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)), and the current sensing signal (e.g., V_(CS)) respectively. Forexample, the clock signal is in sync with the PWM signal. In anotherexample, the PWM signal is generated by the PWM controller component. Inyet another example, the over-current threshold signal is received bythe OCP comparator, and the current sensing signal is also received bythe OCP comparator. As shown in FIG. 9, the curve 2930 indicates thatthe over-current threshold signal changes between the lower limit ofV_(th) _(_) ₀ and the upper limit of V_(clamp), and the slope of thetiming diagram in the CCM mode is greater than the slope of the timingdiagram in the DCM mode.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the technique can improve consistency ofmaximum energy in the CCM mode and the DCM mode at different bulkvoltages, but the technique has its own limitations.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bulk voltage V_(in) at the node 190 often is nota perfect DC voltage. Instead, the bulk voltage V_(in) usually changeswith the output loading of the system 100 and the VAC signal. The VACsignal is an AC voltage signal, which changes its magnitude with time.For the same VAC signal, the bulk voltage V_(in) changes with the outputloading of the system 100.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing effect of change in the bulkvoltage V_(in) on the current sensing signal for the conventionalswitch-mode converter 100. Curves 3010 and 3020 represent the timingdiagrams for the bulk voltage V_(in) and the current sensing signalrespectively.

As shown in FIG. 10, in each of regions A, B, and C, there are twovoltage pulses for the current sensing signal, one often being largerthan the other. According to one embodiment, a duty cycle of a signalfor a signal period is the ratio between the length of time when thesignal is at a logic high level and the length of the signal period. Inregion A, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is relatively small, so theoff-time of the PWM signal is long enough for sufficient demagnetizationand effective transfer of energy to the output of the switch-modeconverter 100. Subsequently, at the beginning of the next PWM period,the voltage value of the current sensing signal is lower than thecorresponding voltage threshold value of V_(th) _(_) ₀. Hence, in thisPWM period, the primary winding can effectively store energy, and thestored energy can be effectively transferred to the output of theswitch-mode converter 100. Hence in region A, the maximum power actuallydelivered by the switch-mode converter 100 is not significantly affectedby the change in the bulk voltage V_(in).

In region B, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is relatively large, andthe off-time of the PWM signal is too short for sufficientdemagnetization and effective transfer of energy to the output of theswitch-mode converter 100. Subsequently, at the beginning of the nextPWM period, the voltage value of the current sensing signal is higherthan the corresponding voltage threshold value of V_(th) _(_) ₀. Hence,in this PWM period, the switch 140 is turned off soon after being turnedon, causing the primary winding not being able to effectively storeenergy and effectively reducing the switching frequency by half.Consequently, the input power to the primary winding is also reduced byhalf, and the maximum power actually delivered by the switch-modeconverter 100 in region B is significantly affected by the change in thebulk voltage V_(in).

Similarly, in region C, the duty cycle of the PWM signal reaches themaximum duty cycle that is set by the chip 180 for PWM control. Forexample, the maximum duty cycle is set to 80%. Consequently, theoff-time of the PWM signal is too short for sufficient demagnetizationand effective transfer of energy to the output of the switch-modeconverter 100. Consequently, the maximum power actually delivered by theswitch-mode converter 100 in region C is significantly reduced by thechange in the bulk voltage V_(in).

As shown in FIG. 10, regions A, B and C can repeatedly occur indifferent half periods of the VAC signal. For example, T_(AC) representsthe period of the VAC signal, which is equal to 20 ms for 220V/50 Hz ACvoltage and equal to 16.67 ms for 110V/60 Hz AC voltage. In anotherexample, regions B and C correspond to lower magnitudes of the bulkvoltage V_(in) than region A. In yet another example, in regions A, B,and C, the effect of change in the bulk voltage V_(in) on the currentsensing signal may be different.

As discussed above, the reduction of the effective PWM switchingfrequency is an important reason for the reduction of the maximum poweractually delivered by the switch-mode converter 100. Hence, to restorethe actual maximum power to the predetermined maximum power, it isimportant to correct the combination of larger voltage pulse and smallervoltage pulse. According to one embodiment, a correction is made to thesmaller voltage pulse so that the switch has sufficient on-time in eachPWM period to enable effective energy storage by the primary winding.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing correction to voltage pulse ofthe current sensing signal. As shown in FIG. 11, if the duty cycle ofthe PWM signal for the current PWM period (e.g., the PWM period thatcorresponds to a pulse 3110 in FIG. 11) is determined to be larger thana predetermined duty-cycle threshold (e.g., 60%), the voltage thresholdis set, at the beginning of the next PWM period, to another thresholdlevel (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(a)) that is different from the lower limit ofV_(th) _(_) ₀, in order to correct a pulse 3120 to become a pulse 3122according to one embodiment. For example, the threshold level (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(a)) is the same as the upper limit of V_(clamp). Inanother example, the threshold level (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(a)) is largerthan the lower limit of V_(th) _(_) ₀ but smaller than the upper limitof V_(clamp).

In another example, such correction can modify the duty cycle of the PWMsignal and prevent the switch from being turned off soon after beingturned on. In yet another example, such correction to the voltage pulseenables the primary winding of the switch-mode converter to effectivelystore and transfer energy. In yet another example, such correction tothe voltage pulse can prevent the reduction of the effective switchfrequency and the reduction of maximum power actually delivered by theswitch-mode converter.

FIG. 12 is a simplified power converter with over-current protectionaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram ismerely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of theclaims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications. The power converter 2500includes an OCP comparator 2510, a PWM controller component 2520, a gatedriver 2530, a switch 2540, resistors 2550, 2552, 2554 and 2556, anover-current-threshold signal generator 2570, a primary winding 2560,and a leading-edge-blanking (LEB) component 2594. The OCP comparator2510, the PWM controller component 2520, and the gate driver 2530 areparts of a chip 2580 for PWM control. The leading-edge-blanking (LEB)component 2594 is omitted in some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 12, a bulk voltage V_(in) 2592 at a node 2590 is not aperfect DC voltage in some embodiments. For example, the bulk voltageV_(in) changes with the output loading of the power converter 2500 and aVAC signal 2599. In another example, for the same VAC signal 2599, thechange in the bulk voltage V_(in) 2592 increases with the output loadingof the power converter 2500.

According to one embodiment, the PWM controller component 2520 generatesa PWM signal 2522, which is received by the gate driver 2530. In oneembodiment, the gate driver 2530 in response outputs a gate drive signal2584 to the switch 2540. In another embodiment, theover-current-threshold signal generator 2570 receives a signal 2582 andoutputs an over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc))to the OCP comparator 2510. For example, the signal 2582 is the PWMsignal 2522. In another example, the signal 2582 is the gate drivesignal 2584.

In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is shown in FIG. 13(a), FIG. 18(a), FIG. 20(a),and/or FIG. 22(a) as described below according to certain embodiments.In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 compares theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) and acurrent sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)), and sends an over-currentcontrol signal 2516 to the PWM controller component 2520. In yet anotherexample, when a current 2572 flowing through the primary winding isgreater than a limiting level, the PWM controller component 2520 turnsoff the switch 2540 and shuts down the power converter 2500. In yetanother example, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) isassociated with a voltage signal indicating the magnitude of the current2572.

In one embodiment, a switching period of the PWM signal 2522 includes anon-time period and an off-time period, and a duty cycle of the switchingperiod is equal to a ratio of the on-time period to the switchingperiod. For example, during the on-time period, the switch 2540 isclosed (e.g., being turned on), and during the off-time period, theswitch 2540 is open (e.g., being turned off).

In another embodiment, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570generates the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period, such time beingmeasured from the beginning of the on-time period of the switchingperiod. For example, the time within a switching period is set to zeroat the beginning of the on-time period of each switching period. In yetanother example, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570receives the PWM signal 2522 to detect the beginning of an on-timeperiod of a switching period in order to reset the time within theswitching period to zero, and generate the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of such time. In yetanother example, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 alsodetects the end of the on-time period for each switching period.

A self-adjustment compensation scheme can be implemented to reducesub-harmonic oscillation in order to keep the maximum output powerconsistent for a wide range of bulk voltages, as shown in FIG. 13(a) andFIG. 13(b), according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according toone embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1312 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₁, and the time within the switching periodT₁ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of theswitching period T₁. In another embodiment, the waveform 1314 representsthe over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time within the switching period T₂, and the time within theswitching period T₂ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-timeperiod of the switching period T₂. In yet another embodiment, thewaveform 1316 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₃,and the time within the switching period T₃ is set to zero at thebeginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₃. In yetanother embodiment, the waveform 1318 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₄, and the time within the switching periodT₄ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of theswitching period T₄.

For example, the switching periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ are equal inmagnitude, even though they correspond to different switching cycles. Inanother example, the switching periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ are not equalin magnitude, and they correspond to different switching cycles. In yetanother example, the waveforms 1312, 1314, 1316 and 1318 correspond tobulk voltages V_(in1), V_(in2), V_(in3) and V_(in4) respectively. In yetanother example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) is proportional to a current threshold (I_(th) _(_) _(oc))of the power converter 2500.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13(a), for a particularon-time period, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) does not change with time between 0 (e.g., the beginning ofthe on-time period) and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), e.g., as shownby the waveform 1312, 1314, 1316 or 1318. The value of the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) varies in differenton-time periods to compensate for the effects of “delay to output,”according to certain embodiments. For example, the value of theover-current threshold signal 2512 is determined according to thefollowing equation:

V _(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1)=(1−α)×V _(th) _(_) _(oc)(n)+α×(V _(ocp) _(_)_(l) +k _(ocp) ×D(n))  (Equation 9)

where V_(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1) represents the value of the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 for an on-time period within a switching periodT_(sw)(n+1), V_(th) _(_) _(oc)(n) represents the value of theover-current threshold signal 2512 for an on-time period within aprevious switching period T_(sw)(n), k_(ocp) represents α constant, D(n)represents duty cycle of the previous switching period T_(sw)(n),V_(ocp) _(_) _(l) represents a minimum value of the over-currentthreshold signal 2512, and a represents α coefficient (e.g., α≦1). Inanother example, if α=1, the magnitude of the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 is determined according to the following equation:

V _(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1)=V _(ocp) _(_) _(l) +D(n)×k _(ocp)  (Equation 10)

According to Equation 9 and Equation 10, the value of the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 for a particular on-time period in a switchingperiod is affected by duty cycles of one or more preceding switchingperiods, in some embodiments. For example, the larger the duty cycles ofone or more preceding switching periods are, the larger the value of theover-current threshold signal 2512 for the switching period becomes. Inanother example, the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1)) is equal to or larger than the minimumvalue of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., Vocp_l), and isequal to or smaller than the maximum value of the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). In yet another example, k_(ocp)can be determined as a positive slope of an over-current thresholdsignal with respect to time under the DCM mode. k_(ocp) can be adjustedfrom such a slope in certain embodiments. In yet another example, afterthe maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), the system 2500 operates in anoff-time period of the switching period.

FIG. 13(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-timeperiod using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function oftime within a switching period as shown in FIG. 13(a) according to oneembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1312 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₁, and the waveform 1320 represents thecurrent sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time withinthe switching period T₁. In another embodiment, the waveform 1314represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₂, and thewaveform 1322 represents the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS))as a function of time within the switching period T₂.

In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1316 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₃, and the waveform 1324 represents thecurrent sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time withinthe switching period T₃. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1318represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₄, and thewaveform 1326 represents the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS))as a function of time within the switching period T₄.

The waveforms 1320, 1322, 1324 and 1326 represent the current sensingsignal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time corresponding to thebulk voltages V_(in1), V_(in2), V_(in3) and V_(in4) respectively. Forexample, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1320, 1322, 1324 and 1326 areS₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ respectively. In another example, the current sensingsignal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) is proportional to the current 2572 flowingthrough the primary winding 2560 of the power converter 2500.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage,the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time(e.g., as shown by the waveforms 1320, 1322, 1324 and 1326). As shown inFIG. 13(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS))with respect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in someembodiments. For example, V_(in1)>V_(in2)>V_(in3)>V_(in4), andcorrespondingly S₁>S₂>S₃>S₄. In another example, when the currentsensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1320, 1322, 1324or 1326), the over-current protection is triggered. In yet anotherexample, during T_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the currentsensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude.In yet another example, at the end of T_(delay), the switch is opened(e.g., turned off), and the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS))reaches its maximum magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of anon-time period of the switch 2540 during a switching period, in someembodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltageV_(in1) corresponds to a time t_(A), the end of T_(delay) for the bulkvoltage V_(in2) corresponds to a time t_(B), the end of T_(delay) forthe bulk voltage V_(in3) corresponds to a time t_(C), and the end ofT_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in4) corresponds to a time t_(D). Inanother example, t_(A), t_(B), t_(C), and t_(D) represent the ends ofthe on-time periods for the switching periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄respectively.

FIG. 14(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 with over-current protection according to oneembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includesa sampling signal generator 1602, a signal generator 1604, and a signalprocessing component 1601. For example, the signal processing component1601 includes a sample-and-hold component 1606 and a low pass filter1608. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 1606 and the lowpass filter 1608 share one or more components. In yet another example,the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according to FIG.13(a) and FIG. 13(b).

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signalgenerator 1604 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 orthe gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 1614 basedon the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. Forexample, the sampling signal generator 1602 receives the signal 2582,and generates a sampling signal 1616. In another example, the samplingsignal generator 1602 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 1616 upon afalling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, thesample-and-hold component 1606 samples the ramping signal 1614 duringthe pulse of the sampling signal 1616 and holds a magnitude of theramping signal 1614 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest ofthe switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, the lowpass filter 1608 performs low-pass filtering of a signal 1618 generatedby the sample-and-hold component 1606 and outputs the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 to the OCP comparator 2510. In yet anotherexample, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensingsignal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. In yetanother example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 is determinedaccording to Equation 9, where a is associated with the low pass filter1608.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 1614 is associated with a ramp-upprocess and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-upprocess, the ramping signal 1614 increases in magnitude from a minimumvalue to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the rampingsignal 1614 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimumvalue. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-downprocess occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In anotherembodiment, the ramping signal 1614 is associated with a ramp-upprocess, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1614 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, theramping signal 1614 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-downprocess, the ramping signal 1614 decreases in magnitude from the maximumvalue to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, theconstant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously orduring a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 1614is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, aramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1614 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constantprocess, the ramping signal 1614 keeps at the maximum value. In anotherexample, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1614 decreasesin magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during thesecond constant process, the ramping signal 1614 keeps at the minimumvalue. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constantprocess, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occursinstantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 14(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500including components as shown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodimentof the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, whichshould not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skillin the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The waveform 1700 represents the signal 2582 as afunction of time, the waveform 1702 represents the sampling signal 1616as a function of time, the waveform 1704 represents the ramping signal1614 as a function of time, the waveform 1706 represents theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time, and the waveform 1708 represents the current sensingsignal 2514 as a function of time.

For example, the waveform 1706 represents the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, whichincludes the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swa), theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time within a switching period T_(swb), and a over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T_(swc). In another example, the waveform1708 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time,which includes the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of timewithin the switching period T_(swa), the current sensing signal 2514 asa function of time within the switching period T_(swb), and the currentsensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching periodT_(swc). For example, the switching periods T_(swa), T_(swb), andT_(swc) are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to differentswitching cycles.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the switching period T_(swa)includes an off-time period T_(offa) and an on-time period T_(ona), aswitching period T_(swb) includes an off-time period T_(offb) and anon-time period T_(onb), and a switching period T_(swc) includes anoff-time period T_(offa) and an on-time period T_(onc). The on-timeperiod T_(ona) starts at the time t₂ and ends at time t₃, the off-timeperiod T_(offa) starts at the time t₃ and ends at time t₅, and theswitching period T_(swa) starts at the time t₂ and ends at the time t₅.The on-time period T_(onb) starts at the time t₅ and ends at time t₆,the off-time period T_(offb) starts at the time t₆ and ends at time t₈,and the switching period T_(swb) starts at the time t₅ and ends at thetime t₈. The on-time period T_(onc) starts at the time t₈ and ends attime t₉, the off-time period T_(offc) starts at the time t₉ and ends attime t₁₀, and the switching period T_(swc) starts at the time t₈ andends at the time t₁₀. In yet another example,t₂≦t₃≦t₄≦t₅≦t₆≦t₇≦t₈≦t₉≦t₁₀.

According to one embodiment, during the on-time period T_(ona), thesignal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform1700). For example, the ramping signal 1614 increases from a magnitude1710 (e.g., at t₂) to a magnitude 1712 (e.g., at t₃), as shown by thewaveform 1704. In another example, the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at a magnitude 1714 during theon-time period T_(ona) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1706). In yetanother example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from amagnitude 1716 (e.g., at t₂), as shown by the waveform 1708. Once thecurrent sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 1714 (e.g., at t₃),the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. Forexample, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal2516 from a logic high level to a logic low level. In another example,then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 1724(e.g., 0 at t₃) and keeps at the magnitude 1724 during the off-timeperiod T_(offa) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1708).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582(e.g., at t₃), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 1616 (e.g.,as shown by the waveform 1702). For example, the pulse starts at thetime t₃ and ends at the time t₄. In another example, the sample-and-holdcomponent 1606 samples the ramping signal 1614 during the pulse and inresponse, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) changes from the magnitude 1714 (e.g., at t₃) to a magnitude 1718(e.g., at t₄), as shown by the waveform 1706. In yet another example,the signal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1712 during the pulse, anddecreases to the magnitude 1710 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the end ofthe pulse (e.g., at t₄), as shown by the waveform 1704. In yet anotherexample, during the time period between t₄ and t₅, the signal 1614 keepsat the magnitude 1710 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) as shown by the waveform1704, and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 1718 as shown by the waveform 1706.

According to yet another embodiment, during the on-time period T_(onb),the signal 2582 keeps at the logic high level (e.g., as shown by thewaveform 1700). For example, the ramping signal 1614 increases from themagnitude 1710 (e.g., at t₅) to the magnitude 1712 (e.g., at t₆), asshown by the waveform 1704. In another example, the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude1718 during the on-time period T_(onb) (e.g., as shown by the waveform1706). In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increasesfrom a magnitude 1720 (e.g., at t₅), as shown by the waveform 1708. Oncethe current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 1718 (e.g., att₆), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. Forexample, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal2516 from the logic high level to the logic low level. In anotherexample, the current sensing signal 2514 decreases again to themagnitude 1724 (e.g., 0 at t₆) and keeps at the magnitude 1724 duringthe off-time period T_(offb) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1708).

According to another embodiment, at another falling edge of the signal2582 (e.g., at t₆), another pulse is generated in the sampling signal1616 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1702). For example, the pulsestarts at the time t₆ and ends at the time t₇. In another example, thesample-and-hold component 1606 samples the ramping signal 1614 duringthe pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 1718 (e.g., at t₆) to amagnitude 1722 (e.g., at t₇), as shown by the waveform 1706. In yetanother example, the signal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1712 during thepulse, and decreases to the magnitude 1710 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) atthe end of the pulse (e.g., at t₇), as shown by the waveform 1704. Inyet another example, during the time period between t₇ and t₈, thesignal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1720 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) asshown by the waveform 1704. In yet another example, during the timeperiod between t₇ and t₉, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 1722 as shown by the waveform1706.

As described above, for a particular switching period (e.g., T_(swc)),the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keepsat a particular magnitude (e.g., the magnitude 1722) during the on-timeperiod (e.g., T_(onc) from t₇ to t₉), and the particular magnitude(e.g., the magnitude 1722) is affected by duty cycles of one or morepreceding switching periods (e.g., T_(ona) and T_(onb)), in certainembodiments. For example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes in magnitude with switching period (e.g.,from the magnitude 1718 in the switching period T_(swb) to the magnitude1722 in the subsequent switching period T_(swc)). In another example,the magnitudes 1714, 1718 and 1722 of the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) can be determined based on Equation 9.

FIG. 14(c) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 that includes components as shown in FIG. 14(a)according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram ismerely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of theclaims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications. The signal generator 1604includes a current source 1802, switches 1804 and 1812, AND gates 1806and 1814, comparators 1808 and 1816, a capacitor 1810, and anoperational amplifier 1818. The signal processing component 1601includes a switch 1820, a resistor 1822 and a capacitor 1824. Forexample, the sample-and-hold component 1606 includes the switch 1820 andthe capacitor 1824. In another example, the low pass filter 1608includes the resistor 1822 and the capacitor 1824.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), the AND gate 1806 receives the signal 2582 and asignal 1832 from the comparator 1808, and outputs a signal 1826 at alogic high level if both the signal 2582 and the signal 1832 are at thelogic high level, in some embodiments. For example, the switch 1804(e.g., S1) is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the signal1826 being at the logic high level. In another example, a current 1828flowing from the current source 1802 through the switch 1804 to chargethe capacitor 1810, and in response the ramping signal 1614 (e.g.,V_(ramp)) increases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the rampingsignal 1614 exceeds a reference signal 1830 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)) inmagnitude, the comparator 1808 outputs a signal 1832 at a logic lowlevel, and the AND gate 1806 changes the signal 1826 to the logic lowlevel to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 1804 so as to stop chargingthat the capacitor 1810. In yet another example, after the rampingsignal 1614 is sampled during a pulse in the sampling signal 1616 (e.g.,sample), the AND gate 1814 receives a discharging signal 1840 at thelogic high level, and outputs a signal 1838 at the logic high level ifthe signal 1836 from the comparator 1816 is at the logic high level. Inyet another example, in response to the signal 1838 being at the logichigh level, the switch 1812 (e.g., S2) is closed (e.g., being turned on)to discharge the capacitor 1810 and the ramping signal 1614 decreases inmagnitude. In yet another example, if the ramping signal 1614 reaches areference signal 1834 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) in magnitude, thecomparator 1816 changes the signal 1836 to the logic low level and inresponse the AND gate 1814 changes the signal 1838 to the logic lowlevel to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 1812 so as to stop dischargingthe capacitor 1810. In yet another example, the operational amplifier1818 serves as a buffer.

According to one embodiment, the sampling signal generator 1602 receivesthe signal 2582 and outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 1616 upon afalling edge of the signal 2582. For example, the switch 1820 (e.g., S3)is closed in response to the pulse. In another example, the signalprocessing component 1601 samples and holds the ramping signal 1614, andperforms low-pass filtering. In yet another example, the OCP comparator2510 compares the over-current threshold signal 2512 with the currentsensing signal 2514, and outputs the over-current control signal 2516.In yet another example, the over-current control signal 2516 is at thelogic high level if the over-current threshold signal 2512 is largerthan the current sensing signal 2514 in magnitude, and the over-currentcontrol signal 2516 changes to the logic low level to trigger theover-current protection if the current sensing signal 2514 reaches orexceeds the over-current threshold signal 2512 in magnitude.

Referring to Equation 9, the coefficient α is determined as follows,according to some embodiments:

$\begin{matrix}{\alpha = {1 - e^{- \frac{T_{oneshot}}{R_{ocp} \times C_{ocp}}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 11} \right)\end{matrix}$

where R_(ocp) represents a resistance of the resistor 1822, T_(oneshot)represents a pulse width of the pulse generated in the sampling signal1616, and C_(ocp) represents a capacitance of the capacitor 1824. Forexample, if R_(ocp)×C_(ocp)>>T_(oneshot), then

$\begin{matrix}{\alpha = \frac{T_{oneshot}}{R_{ocp} \times C_{ocp}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 12} \right)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 15(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 with over-current protection according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includesa filter signal generator 2802, a signal generator 2804, and a signalprocessing component 2801. For example, the signal processing component2801 includes a sample-and-hold component 2806 and a low pass filter2808. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 2806 and the lowpass filter 2808 share one or more components. In yet another example,the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according to FIG.13(a) and FIG. 13(b). In yet another example, the signal generator 2804is the same as the signal generator 1604.

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signalgenerator 2804 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 orthe gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 2814 basedon the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. Forexample, the filter signal generator 2802 receives the signal 2582, andoutputs a filter signal 2816 to the low pass filter 2808. In anotherexample, the sample-and-hold component 2806 samples and holds theramping signal 2814 when the signal 2582 is at the logic high level. Inyet another example, when the signal 2582 changes to the logic lowlevel, the low pass filter 2808 performs low-pass filtering of a signal2818 generated by the sample-and-hold component 2806 and outputs theover-current threshold signal 2512 to the OCP comparator 2510. In yetanother example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the currentsensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. Inyet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 isdetermined according to Equation 9, where α is associated with the lowpass filter 2808.

FIG. 15(b) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 that includes components as shown in FIG. 15(a)according to another embodiment of the present invention. This diagramis merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of theclaims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications. The signal generator 2804includes a current source 2602, switches 2604 and 2612, AND gates 2606and 2614, comparators 2608 and 2616, a capacitor 2610, and anoperational amplifier 2618. The signal processing component 2801includes switches 2620 and 2654, and capacitors 2624 and 2656. Thefilter signal generator 2802 includes a NOT gate 2650. For example, theswitch 2620 and the capacitor 2656 are included in the sample-and-holdcomponent 2806. In another example, the capacitor 2656, the switch 2654and the capacitor 2624 are included in the low pass filter 2808. In yetanother example, the current source 2602, the switches 2604 and 2612,the AND gates 2606 and 2614, the comparators 2608 and 2616, thecapacitor 2610, the operational amplifier 2618, and the switch 2620 arethe same as the current source 1802, the switches 1804 and 1812, the ANDgates 1806 and 1814, the comparators 1808 and 1816, the capacitor 1810,the operational amplifier 1818, and the switch 1820, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 15(b), the AND gate 2606 receives the signal 2582 and asignal 2632 from the comparator 2608, and outputs a signal 2626 at alogic high level if both the signal 2582 and the signal 2632 are at thelogic high level, in some embodiments. For example, the switch 2604(e.g., S1) is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the signal2626 being at the logic high level. In another example, a current 2628flowing from the current source 2602 through the switch 2604 to chargethe capacitor 2610, and in response the ramping signal 2814 (e.g.,V_(ramp)) increases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the rampingsignal 2814 exceeds a reference signal 2630 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)) inmagnitude, the comparator 2608 outputs a signal 2632 at a logic lowlevel, and the AND gate 2606 changes the signal 2626 to the logic lowlevel to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 2604 so as to stop chargingthat the capacitor 2610. In yet another example, after the rampingsignal 2814 is sampled, the AND gate 2614 receives a discharging signal2640 at the logic high level, and outputs a signal 2638 at the logichigh level if the signal 2636 from the comparator 2616 is at the logichigh level. In yet another example, in response to the signal 2638 beingat the logic high level, the switch 2612 (e.g., S2) is closed (e.g.,being turned on) to discharge the capacitor 2610 and the ramping signal2814 decreases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the rampingsignal 2814 reaches a reference signal 2634 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) inmagnitude, the comparator 2616 changes the signal 2636 to the logic lowlevel and in response the AND gate 2614 changes the signal 2638 to thelogic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 2612 so as to stopdischarging the capacitor 2610.

According to one embodiment, the filter signal generator 2802 receivesthe signal 2582 and outputs the filter signal 2816. For example, whenthe signal 2582 is at the logic high level (e.g., during an on-timeperiod), the switch 2620 is closed (e.g., being turned on), and theswitch 2654 is open (e.g., being turned off) in response to the signal2816. In another example, the capacitor 2656 is charged in response tothe ramping signal 2814 which is tracked through the operationalamplifier 2618. In yet another example, when the signal 2582 changes tothe logic low level (e.g., upon a falling edge of the signal 2582), theswitch 2620 is open (e.g., being turned off), and the switch 2654 isclosed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the signal 2816. In yetanother example, a magnitude of the ramping signal 2814 is stored in thecapacitor 2656 and transferred to the capacitor 2624 to generate theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)). In yetanother example, the filter signal 2816 is at the logic high level whenthe signal 2582 is at the logic low level, and the filter signal 2816 isat the logic low level when the signal 2582 is at the logic high level.

Referring to Equation 9, the coefficient α is determined as follows,according to some embodiments:

$\begin{matrix}{\alpha = \frac{C_{samp}}{C_{samp} + C_{ocp}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 13} \right)\end{matrix}$

where C_(samp) represents a capacitance of the capacitor 2656 andC_(ocp) represents a capacitance of the capacitor 2624.

FIG. 16(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 with over-current protection according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includesa sampling signal generator 1902, a signal generator 1904, a signalprocessing component 1901, a duty-cycle detector 1926, a countercomponent 1928, a NOT gate 1930, switches 1932 and 1934, and acompensation component 1936. The signal processing component 1901includes a sample-and-hold component 1906 and a low pass filter 1908.For example, the sample-and-hold component 1906 and the low pass filter1908 share one or more components. In another example, the samplingsignal generator 1902, the signal generator 1904, the sample-and-holdcomponent 1906, and the low pass filter 1908 are the same as thesampling signal generator 1602, the signal generator 1604, thesample-and-hold component 1606, and the low pass filter 1608,respectively.

According to one embodiment, the duty-cycle detector 1926 receives thesignal 2582 and determines whether the duty cycle of the signal 2582 ofa particular switching period is larger than a duty cycle threshold. Forexample, if the duty-cycle detector 1926 determines that the duty cycleof the signal 2582 of the particular switching period is larger than theduty cycle threshold, in response the counter component 1928 outputs asample-disable signal 1940 at a logic low level and thus a sample-enablesignal 1938 from the NOT gate 1930 is at a logic high level so that theswitch 1932 is closed (e.g., being turned on) and the switch 1934 isopen (e.g., being turned off). In another example, if the duty-cycledetector 1926 determines that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of theparticular switching period is smaller than the duty cycle threshold,the counter component 1928 detects whether the duty cycle of the signal2582 keeps being smaller than the duty cycle threshold for apredetermined number of switching periods. In yet another example, ifthe duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps being smaller than the dutycycle threshold for the predetermined number of switching periods, thecounter component 1928 outputs the sample-disable signal 1940 at thelogic high level and thus the sample-enable signal 1938 is at the logiclow level so that the switch 1932 is open (e.g., being turned off) andthe switch 1934 is closed (e.g., being turned on).

According to another embodiment, during a switching period, the signalgenerator 1904 receives the signal 2582, and generates a ramping signal1914 (e.g., V_(ramp)) based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in theswitching period. For example, the sampling signal generator 1902receives the signal 2582, and generates a sampling signal 1916. Inanother example, the sampling signal generator 1902 outputs a pulse inthe sampling signal 1916 upon a falling edge of the signal 2582. In yetanother example, the sample-and-hold component 1906 samples the rampingsignal 1914 during the pulse of the sampling signal 1916 and holds amagnitude of the ramping signal 1914 (e.g., at the end of the pulse)during the rest of the switching period until a next pulse. In yetanother example, the low pass filter 1908 performs low-pass filtering ofa signal 1918 (e.g., V_(sample)) generated by the sample-and-holdcomponent 1906 and, if the switch 1932 is closed (e.g., being turned on)in response to the sample-enable signal 1938, outputs the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator2510. In yet another example, the waveform of the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time is similarto the waveform 1706 as shown in FIG. 14(b). In yet another example, theOCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 andoutputs the over-current control signal 2516.

According to yet another embodiment, the compensation component 1936receives the signal 2582 and, if the switch 1934 is closed (e.g., beingturned on) in response to the sample-disable signal 1940, outputs theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCPcomparator 2510. For example, the waveform of the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time is shown inthe inlet figure associated with the compensation component 1936. Thatis, between 0 and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases at a positiveslope with respect to time between a minimum value (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and a maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)),in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 1914 is associated with a ramp-upprocess and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-upprocess, the ramping signal 1914 increases in magnitude from a minimumvalue to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the rampingsignal 1914 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimumvalue. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-downprocess occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In anotherembodiment, the ramping signal 1914 is associated with a ramp-upprocess, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1914 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, theramping signal 1914 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-downprocess, the ramping signal 1914 decreases in magnitude from the maximumvalue to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, theconstant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously orduring a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 1914is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, aramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1914 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constantprocess, the ramping signal 1914 keeps at the maximum value. In anotherexample, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1914 decreasesin magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during thesecond constant process, the ramping signal 1914 keeps at the minimumvalue. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constantprocess, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occursinstantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 16(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500including components as shown in FIG. 16(a) according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The waveform 2000 represents the signal 2582 as afunction of time, the waveform 2002 represents the sampling signal 1916as a function of time, the waveform 2004 represents the ramping signal1914 as a function of time, the waveform 2006 represents theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time, and the waveform 2008 represents the current sensingsignal 2514 as a function of time.

For example, the waveform 2006 represents the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, whichincludes the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swd), and theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time within a switching period T_(swe). In another example,the waveform 2008 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as afunction of time, which includes the current sensing signal 2514 as afunction of time within the switching period T_(swd), and the currentsensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching periodT_(swe).

For example, as shown in FIG. 16(b), an on-time period T_(ond) starts attime t₁₀ and ends at time t₁₁, an off-time period T_(offd) starts at thetime t₁₁ and ends at time t₁₃, an on-time period T_(one) starts at thetime t₁₄ and ends at time t₁₅, and an off-time period T_(offe) starts atthe time t₁₅ and ends at time t₁₇. In another example,t₁₀≦t₁₁≦t₁₂≦t₁₃≦t₁₄≦t₁₅≦t₁₆≦t₁₇≦t₁₈≦t₁₉.

According to one embodiment, initially, the duty cycle of the signal2582 is larger than the duty cycle threshold (e.g., at t₁₀) and thesample-enable signal 1938 is at the logic high level to close (e.g.,turn on) the switch 1932 (e.g., S2). For example, during the on-timeperiod T_(ond), the signal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., asshown by the waveform 2000). In another example, the ramping signal 1914increases from a magnitude 2010 (e.g., at t₁₀) to a magnitude 2012(e.g., at t₁₁), as shown by the waveform 2004. In yet another example,the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keepsat a magnitude 2014 during the on-time period T_(ond)(e.g., as shown bythe waveform 2006). In yet another example, the current sensing signal2514 increases from a magnitude 2016 (e.g., at t₁₀), as shown by thewaveform 2008. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds themagnitude 2014 (e.g., at t₁₁), the over-current protection is triggered,in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes theover-current control signal 2516 from the logic high level to the logiclow level. In another example, then the current sensing signal 2514decreases to a magnitude 2024 (e.g., 0 at t₁₁) and keeps at themagnitude 2024 during the off-time period T_(offd) (e.g., as shown bythe waveform 2008).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582(e.g., at t₁₁), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 1916 (e.g.,as shown by the waveform 2002). For example, the pulse starts at thetime t₁₁ and ends at the time t₁₂. In another example, thesample-and-hold component 1906 samples the ramping signal 1914 duringthe pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 2014 (e.g., at t₁₁) to amagnitude 2018 (e.g., at t₁₂), as shown by the waveform 2006. In yetanother example, the signal 1914 keeps at the magnitude 2012 during thepulse, and decreases to the magnitude 2010 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) atthe end of the pulse (e.g., at t₁₂), as shown by the waveform 2004. Inyet another example, during the time period between t₁₂ and t₁₃, thesignal 1914 keeps at the magnitude 2010 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) asshown by the waveform 2004, and the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 2018 as shown by thewaveform 2006. In another example, the magnitudes 2014 and 2018 of theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) can bedetermined based on Equation 9.

According to yet another embodiment, thereafter, the duty cycle of thesignal 2582 changes to be smaller than the duty cycle threshold (e.g.,at t₁₃). For example, if the duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps to besmaller than the duty cycle threshold for a predetermined number ofswitching periods (e.g., between t₁₃ and t₁₄), the sample-enable signal1938 changes to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch1932 and the sample-disable signal 1940 changes to the logic high levelto close (e.g., turn on) the switch 1934 (e.g., at t₁₄) so that thecompensation component 1936, instead of the low pass filter 1908,outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)).

As shown in FIG. 16(b), during the on-time period T_(one), the signal2582 keeps at the logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform2000). For example, the ramping signal 1914 increases from the magnitude2010 (e.g., at t₁₄) to the magnitude 2012 (e.g., at t₁₅), as shown bythe waveform 2004. In another example, the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases from a magnitude 2026 (e.g.,V_(ocp) _(_) _(l) at t₁₄) to a magnitude 2030 (e.g., at t₁₅), e.g., asshown by the waveform 2006. In yet another example, the current sensingsignal 2514 increases from a magnitude 2032 (e.g., at t₁₄), as shown bythe waveform 2008. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds themagnitude 2030 (e.g., at t₁₅), the over-current protection is triggered,in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes theover-current control signal 2516 from the logic high level to the logiclow level. In another example, the current sensing signal 2514 decreasesto the magnitude 2032 (e.g., at t₁₅), and keeps at the magnitude 2032during the off-time period T_(offe) (e.g., as shown by the waveform2008). In yet another example, during the off-time period T_(offe), theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) continuesto increase until reaching a maximum magnitude 2028 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_)_(h) at t₁₆), and keeps at the maximum magnitude 2028 until the nexton-time period. In yet another example, during the next switchingperiod, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc))has a similar waveform as during the on-time period T_(one) and theoff-time period T_(offe) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2006.) Duringthe time period between t₁₄ and t₁₈ when the duty cycle of the signal2582 remains smaller than the duty cycle threshold, the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is not determined by theramping signal 1914, in some embodiments.

According to yet another embodiment, thereafter, the duty cycle of thesignal 2582 becomes larger than the duty cycle threshold again (e.g.,between t₁₈ and t₁₉). For example, the sample-enable signal 1938 changesto the logic high level to close (e.g., turn on) the switch 1932 and thesample-disable signal 1940 changes to the logic low level to open (e.g.,turn off) the switch 1934. In another example, the compensationcomponent 1936 does not determine the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) any longer. Instead, the over-currentprotection is carried out by the signal generator 1904, the samplingsignal generator 1902, the sample-and-hold component 1906, and/or thelow pass filter 1908, as discussed above, in certain embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the powerconverter 2500 with over-current protection according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includesa filter signal generator 2902, a signal generator 2904, a signalprocessing component 2901, a duty-cycle detector 2926, a countercomponent 2928, a NOT gate 2930, switches 2932 and 2934, and acompensation component 2936. The signal processing component 2901includes a sample-and-hold component 2906 and a low pass filter 2908.For example, the sample-and-hold component 2906 and the low pass filter2908 share one or more components.

For example, the filter signal generator 2902, the signal generator2904, the sample-and-hold component 2906, and the low pass filter 2908are the same as the filter signal generator 2802, the signal generator2804, the sample-and-hold component 2806, and the low pass filter 2808,respectively. In another example, the signal generator 2904, theduty-cycle detector 2926, the counter component 2928, the NOT gate 2930,the switches 2932 and 2934, and the compensation component 2936 are thesame as the signal generator 1904, the duty-cycle detector 1926, thecounter component 1928, the NOT gate 1930, the switches 1932 and 1934,and the compensation component 1936, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the duty-cycle detector 2926 receives thesignal 2582 and determines whether the duty cycle of the signal 2582 ofa particular switching period is larger than a duty cycle threshold. Forexample, if the duty-cycle detector 2926 determines that the duty cycleof the signal 2582 of the particular switching period is larger than theduty cycle threshold, in response the counter component 2928 outputs asample-disable signal 2940 at a logic low level and thus a sample-enablesignal 2938 from the NOT gate 2930 is at a logic high level so that theswitch 2932 is closed (e.g., being turned on) and the switch 2934 isopen (e.g., being turned off). In another example, if the duty-cycledetector 2926 determines that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of theparticular switching period is smaller than the duty cycle threshold,the counter component 2928 detects whether the duty cycle of the signal2582 keeps being smaller than the duty cycle threshold for apredetermined number of switching periods. In yet another example, ifthe duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps being smaller than the dutycycle threshold for the predetermined number of switching periods, thecounter component 2928 outputs the sample-disable signal 2940 at thelogic high level and thus the sample-enable signal 2938 is at the logiclow level so that the switch 2932 is open (e.g., being turned off) andthe switch 2934 is closed (e.g., being turned on).

According to another embodiment, during a switching period, the signalgenerator 2904 receives the signal 2582, and generates a ramping signal2914 (e.g., V_(ramp)) based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in theswitching period. For example, the filter signal generator 2902 receivesthe signal 2582, and outputs a filter signal 2916 to the low pass filter2908. In another example, when the signal 2582 is at the logic highlevel, the sample-and-hold component 2906 samples and holds the rampingsignal 2914. In yet another example, when the signal 2582 changes to thelogic low level, the low pass filter 2908 performs low-pass filtering ofa signal 2918 (e.g., V_(sample)) generated by the sample-and-holdcomponent 2906 and, if the switch 2932 is closed (e.g., being turned on)in response to the sample-enable signal 2938, outputs the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator2510. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives thecurrent sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal2516.

According to yet another embodiment, the compensation component 2936receives the signal 2582 and, if the switch 2934 is closed (e.g., beingturned on) in response to the sample-disable signal 2940, outputs theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCPcomparator 2510. For example, the waveform of the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time is shown inthe inlet figure associated with the compensation component 2936. Thatis, between 0 and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases at a positiveslope with respect to time between a minimum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_)_(l)) and a maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), in someembodiments.

Negative-slope compensation can be introduced to the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)), as shown in FIG. 18(a),FIG. 18(b), FIG. 20(a) and FIG. 20(b), according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according toyet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merelyan example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations,alternatives, and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1402 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₅, and the time within the switching periodT₅ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of theswitching period T₅. In another embodiment, the waveform 1404 representsthe over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time within the switching period T₆, and the time within theswitching period T₆ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-timeperiod of the switching period T₆. In yet another embodiment, thewaveform 1406 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₇,and the time within the switching period T₇ is set to zero at thebeginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₇. In yetanother embodiment, the waveform 1408 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₈, and the time within the switching periodT₈ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of theswitching period T₈. For example, the switching periods T₅, T₆, T₇, andT₈ are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to differentswitching cycles. In another example, the waveforms 1402, 1404, 1406 and1408 correspond to bulk voltages V_(in5), V_(in6), V_(in7) and V_(in8)respectively.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18(a), for a particularon-time period, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) does not change with time between 0 and a time threshold(e.g., t_(h)), and decreases with time between the time threshold (e.g.,t_(h)) and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), e.g., as shown by thewaveform 1402, 1404, 1406 or 1408. For example, the time threshold(e.g., t_(h)) corresponds to a duty cycle threshold (e.g., D_(h)). Thevalue of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) varies in different on-time periods according to certainembodiments. For example, the value of the over-current threshold signal2512 between 0 and the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)) is determinedaccording to Equation 9 and/or Equation 10. That is, the value of theover-current threshold signal 2512 for a particular switching period isaffected by duty cycles of one or more preceding switching periods, insome embodiments. For example, the larger the duty cycles of one or morepreceding switching periods are, the larger the value of theover-current threshold signal 2512 for the particular switching periodbecomes. In another example, between 0 and the time threshold (e.g.,t_(h)), the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is equal toor larger than the minimum value of the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., Vocp_l), and is equal to or smaller than the maximum valueof the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). Inyet another example, beyond the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)), the valueof the over-current threshold signal 2512 is equal to or smaller thanthe maximum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). In yet another example, beyond the time threshold(e.g., th), the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is equalto or larger than the minimum value of the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., Vocp_l).

FIG. 18(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-timeperiod using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function oftime within a switching period as shown in FIG. 18(a) according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. The waveforms 1410, 1412, 1414 and 1416 represent thecurrent sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of timecorresponding to the bulk voltages V_(in5), V_(in6), V_(in7) and V_(in8)respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1410, 1412,1414 and 1416 are S₅, S₆, S₇, and S₈ respectively.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage,the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time(e.g., as shown by the waveforms 1410, 1412, 1414 and 1416). As shown inFIG. 18(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS))with respect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in someembodiments. For example, V_(in5)>V_(in6)>V_(in7)>V_(in8), andcorrespondingly S₅>S₆>S₇>S₈. In another example, when the currentsensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1410, 1412, 1414or 1416), the over-current protection is triggered. In yet anotherexample, during T_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the currentsensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude.In yet another example, at the end of T_(delay), the switch is opened(e.g., turned off), and the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS))reaches its maximum magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of anon-time period of the switch 2540 during a switching period, in someembodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltageV_(in5) corresponds to a time t_(E), the end of T_(delay) for the bulkvoltage V_(in6) corresponds to a time t_(F), the end of T_(delay) forthe bulk voltage V_(in7) corresponds to a time t_(G), and the end ofT_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in8) corresponds to a time t₁.

FIG. 19(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 with over-current protection with over-currentprotection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit thescope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognizemany variations, alternatives, and modifications. Theover-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a sampling signalgenerator 2102, a signal generator 2104, a sample-and-hold component2106, a negative-ramping-signal generator 2108, and a duty-cycledetector 2126. For example, the sampling signal generator 2102, thesignal generator 2104, and the sample-and-hold component 2106 are thesame as the sampling signal generator 1602, the signal generator 1604,and the sample-and-hold component 1606, respectively. In anotherexample, the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according toFIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b).

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signalgenerator 2104 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 orthe gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 2114 basedon the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. Forexample, the sampling signal generator 2102 receives the signal 2582,and generates a sampling signal 2116. In another example, the samplingsignal generator 2102 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 2116 upon afalling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, thesample-and-hold component 2106 samples the ramping signal 2114 duringthe pulse of the sampling signal 2116 and holds a magnitude of theramping signal 2114 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest ofthe switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, theduty detector 2126 receives the signal 2582 and outputs a control signal2130 that indicates the duty cycle of the signal 2582 to thenegative-ramping-signal generator 2108. In yet another example, thenegative-ramping-signal generator 2108 outputs the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator2510. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives thecurrent sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal2516. In yet another example, the control signal 2130 is at a logic lowlevel when the duty cycle of the signal 2582 is smaller than the dutycycle threshold, and is at a logic high level when the duty cycle of thesignal 2582 is larger than the duty cycle threshold. In yet anotherexample, if the control signal 2130 indicates that the duty cycle of thesignal 2582 is larger than a duty cycle threshold, thenegative-ramping-signal generator 2108 introduces a negative-slopecompensation to the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) with respect to time.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 2114 is associated with a ramp-upprocess and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-upprocess, the ramping signal 2114 increases in magnitude from a minimumvalue to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the rampingsignal 2114 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimumvalue. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-downprocess occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In anotherembodiment, the ramping signal 2114 is associated with a ramp-upprocess, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2114 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, theramping signal 2114 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-downprocess, the ramping signal 2114 decreases in magnitude from the maximumvalue to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, theconstant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously orduring a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 2114is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, aramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2114 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constantprocess, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the maximum value. In anotherexample, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2114 decreasesin magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during thesecond constant process, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the minimumvalue. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constantprocess, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occursinstantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 19(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500including components as shown in FIG. 19(a) according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The waveform 2200 represents the signal 2582 as afunction of time, the waveform 2202 represents the sampling signal 2116as a function of time, and the waveform 2204 represents the rampingsignal 2114 as a function of time. In addition, the waveform 2206represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time, the waveform 2208 represents the currentsensing signal 2514 as a function of time, and the waveform 2210represents the control signal 2130 as a function of time. For example,as shown in FIG. 19(b), a switching period T_(swf) includes an on-timeperiod T_(onf) and an off-time period T_(offf). The on-time periodT_(onf) starts at time t₂₀ and ends at time t₂₂, and the off-time periodT_(offf) starts at the time t₂₂ and ends at time t₂₄. In anotherexample, t₂₀≦t₂₁≦t₂₂≦t₂₃≦t₂₄. For example, the waveform 2206 representsthe over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time, which includes the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switchingperiod T_(swf), and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swh). Inanother example, the waveform 2208 represents the current sensing signal2514 as a function of time, which includes the current sensing signal2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swf), and thecurrent sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switchingperiod T_(swh).

According to one embodiment, during the on-time period T_(onf), thesignal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform2200). For example, the ramping signal 2114 increases from a magnitude2212 (e.g., at t₂₀) to a magnitude 2214 (e.g., at t₂₂), as shown by thewaveform 2204. In another example, the control signal 2130 keeps at thelogic low level (e.g., between t₂₀ and t₂₁), and then changes to thelogic high level (e.g., between t₂₁ and t₂₂) which indicates that theduty cycle of the signal 2582 reaches the duty cycle threshold. In yetanother example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) keeps at a magnitude 2216 (e.g., before t₂₁ as shown by thewaveform 2206), and then in response to the control signal changing tothe logic high level, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) decreases from the magnitude 2216 (e.g., at t₂₁) to amagnitude 2218 (e.g., at t₂₂), e.g., as shown by the waveform 2206. Inyet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from amagnitude 2220 (e.g., at t₂₀), as shown by the waveform 2208. Once thecurrent sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 2218 (e.g., at t₂₂),the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. Forexample, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal2516 from a logic high level to a logic low level. In another example,then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 2222(e.g., 0 at t₂₂) and keeps at the magnitude 2222 during the off-timeperiod T_(offf) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2208).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582(e.g., at t₂₂), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 2116 (e.g.,as shown by the waveform 2202). For example, the pulse starts at thetime t₂₂ and ends at the time t₂₃. In another example, thesample-and-hold component 2106 samples the ramping signal 2114 duringthe pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 2218 (e.g., at t₂₂) to amagnitude 2224, as shown by the waveform 2206. In yet another example,the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the magnitude 2214 during the pulse,and decreases to the magnitude 2212 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the endof the pulse (e.g., at t₂₃), as shown by the waveform 2204. In yetanother example, during the time period between t₂₃ and t₂₄, the rampingsignal 2114 keeps at the magnitude 2212 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) asshown by the waveform 2204, and the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 2224 as shown by thewaveform 2206.

FIG. 20(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according toyet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merelyan example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations,alternatives, and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1502 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₉, and the time within the switching periodT₉ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of theswitching period T₉. In another embodiment, the waveform 1504 representsthe over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time within the switching period T₁₀, and the time withinthe switching period T₁₀ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-timeperiod of the switching period T₁₀. In yet another embodiment, thewaveform 1506 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching periodT₁₁, and the time within the switching period T₁₁ is set to zero at thebeginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₁₁. In yetanother embodiment, the waveform 1508 represents the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of timewithin the switching period T₁₂, and the time within the switchingperiod T₁₂ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of theswitching period T₁₂. For example, the switching periods T₉, T₁₀, T₁₁,and T₁₂ are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to differentswitching cycles. In another example, the waveforms 1502, 1504, 1506 and1508 correspond to bulk voltages V_(in9), V_(in10), V_(in11) andV_(in12) respectively.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20(a), a starting value(e.g., at 0) of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th)_(_) _(oc)) is larger than a minimum value (e.g., Vocp_l), and is equalto or smaller than a maximum value (e.g., Vocp_h). For example, when theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is largerthan the minimum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and smaller than themaximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes along a negative slopewith respect to time (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1502 between 0 andthe time t_(J), the waveform 1504 between 0 and the time t_(K), thewaveform 1506 between the time t_(L) and the maximum t_(max), or thewaveform 1508 between the time t_(M) and the maximum time t_(max)). Inyet another example, the starting value of the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) can be determined according toEquation 9 and/or Equation 10 if the starting value calculated fromEquation 9 and/or Equation 10 is between the minimum value (e.g.,V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). Inyet another example, if the starting value calculated based on Equation9 and/or Equation 10 is larger than the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp)_(_) _(h)), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) will start at the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), e.g.,as shown by the waveform 1506 or the waveform 1508. In yet anotherexample, t_(L)≦t_(M)≦t_(J)≦t_(K).

FIG. 20(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-timeperiod using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function oftime within a switching period as shown in FIG. 20(a) according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. The waveforms 1510, 1512, 1514 and 1516 represent thecurrent sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of timecorresponding to the bulk voltages V_(in9), V_(in10), V_(in11) andV_(in12) respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms1510, 1512, 1514 and 1516 are S₉, S₁₀, S₁₁, and S₁₂ respectively.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage,the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time, asshown by the waveforms 1510, 1512, 1514 and 1516. As shown in FIG.20(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) withrespect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in some embodiments.For example, V_(in9)>V_(in10)>V_(in11)>V_(in12), and correspondinglyS₉>S₁₀>S₁₁>S₁₂. In another example, when the current sensing signal 2514(e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1510, 1512, 1514 or 1516), theover-current protection is triggered. In yet another example, duringT_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the current sensing signal 2514(e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude. In yet anotherexample, at the end of T_(delay), the switch is opened (e.g., turnedoff), and the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) reaches itsmaximum magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of an on-time periodof the switch 2540 during a switching period (e.g., T_(on)), in someembodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltageV_(in9) corresponds to a time t_(N), the end of T_(delay) for the bulkvoltage V_(in10) corresponds to a time t_(O), the end of T_(delay) forthe bulk voltage V_(in11) corresponds to a time t_(P), and the end ofT_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in12) corresponds to a time t_(Q).

FIG. 21(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of thepower converter 2500 with over-current protection with over-currentprotection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit thescope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognizemany variations, alternatives, and modifications. Theover-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a sampling signalgenerator 2302, a signal generator 2304, a sample-and-hold component2306, and a negative-ramping-signal generator 2308.

For example, the sampling signal generator 2302, the signal generator2304, and the sample-and-hold component 2306 are the same as thesampling signal generator 1602, the signal generator 1604, and thesample-and-hold component 1606, respectively. In another example, thesampling signal generator 2302, the signal generator 2304, thesample-and-hold component 2306 and the negative-ramping-signal generator2308 are the same as the sampling signal generator 2102, the signalgenerator 2104, the sample-and-hold component 2106 and thenegative-ramping-signal generator 2108, respectively. In yet anotherexample, the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according toFIG. 20(a) and FIG. 20(b).

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signalgenerator 2304 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 orthe gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 2314 basedon the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. Forexample, the sampling signal generator 2302 receives the signal 2582,and generates a sampling signal 2316. In another example, the samplingsignal generator 2302 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 2316 upon afalling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, thesample-and-hold component 2306 samples the ramping signal 2314 duringthe pulse of the sampling signal 2316 and holds a magnitude of theramping signal 2314 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest ofthe switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, thenegative-ramping-signal generator 2308 outputs the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the comparator 2510.In yet another example, the comparator 2510 also receives the currentsensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. Inyet another example, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2308introduces a negative-slope compensation to the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 2314 is associated with a ramp-upprocess and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-upprocess, the ramping signal 2314 increases in magnitude from a minimumvalue to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the rampingsignal 2314 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimumvalue. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-downprocess occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In anotherembodiment, the ramping signal 2314 is associated with a ramp-upprocess, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2314 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, theramping signal 2314 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-downprocess, the ramping signal 2314 decreases in magnitude from the maximumvalue to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, theconstant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously orduring a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 2314is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, aramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, duringthe ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2314 increases in magnitude froma minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constantprocess, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the maximum value. In anotherexample, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2314 decreasesin magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during thesecond constant process, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the minimumvalue. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constantprocess, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occursinstantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 21(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500including components as shown in FIG. 21(a) according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications. The waveform 2400 represents the signal 2582 as afunction of time, the waveform 2402 represents the sampling signal 2316as a function of time, and the waveform 2404 represents the rampingsignal 2314 as a function of time. In addition, the waveform 2406represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time and the waveform 2408 represents thecurrent sensing signal 2514 as a function of time. For example, as shownin FIG. 21(b), a switching period T_(swg) includes an on-time periodT_(ong) and an off-time period T_(offg). The on-time period T_(ong)starts at time t₂₅ and ends at time t₂₆, and the off-time periodT_(offg) starts at the time t₂₆ and ends at time t₂₈. In anotherexample, t₂₅≦t₂₆≦t₂₇≦t₂₈. In yet another example, the waveform 2406represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_)_(oc)) as a function of time, which includes the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within aswitching period T_(swg), and the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switchingperiod T_(swi). In yet another example, the waveform 2408 represents thecurrent sensing signal 2514 as a function of time, which includes thecurrent sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within a switchingperiod T_(swg), and the current sensing signal 2514 as a function oftime within a switching period T_(swi).

According to one embodiment, during the on-time period T_(ong), thesignal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform2400). For example, the ramping signal 2314 increases from a magnitude2412 (e.g., at t₂₅) to a magnitude 2414 (e.g., at t₂₆), as shown by thewaveform 2404. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) decreases from a magnitude 2416 (e.g., att₂₅) to a magnitude 2418 (e.g., at t₂₆), as shown by the waveform 2406.That is, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2308 introduces anegative-slope compensation into the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) throughout the on-time period T_(ong), in someembodiments. For example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases froma magnitude 2420 (e.g., at t₂₅), as shown by the waveform 2408. Once thecurrent sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 2418 (e.g., at t₂₆),the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. Forexample, the comparator 2310 changes the over-current control signal2516 from a logic high level to a logic low level. In another example,then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 2422(e.g., 0 at t₂₆) and keeps at the magnitude 2422 during the off-timeperiod T_(offg) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2408).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582(e.g., at t₂₆), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 2316 (e.g.,as shown by the waveform 2402). For example, the pulse starts at thetime t₂₆ and ends at the time t₂₇. In another example, thesample-and-hold component 2306 samples the ramping signal 2314 duringthe pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g.,V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 2418 (e.g., at t₂₆) to amagnitude 2424, as shown by the waveform 2406. In yet another example,the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the magnitude 2414 during the pulse,and decreases to the magnitude 2412 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the endof the pulse (e.g., at t₂₇), as shown by the waveform 2404. In yetanother example, during the time period between t₂₇ and t₂₈, the rampingsignal 2314 keeps at the magnitude 2412 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) asshown by the waveform 2404, and the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 2424 as shown by thewaveform 2406.

As shown in FIG. 22(a) and FIG. 22(b), negative-slope compensation isapplied when the duty cycle of the signal 2582 exceeds a duty cyclethreshold for reducing sub-harmonic oscillation in order to keep themaximum output power consistent for a wide range of bulk voltages,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 22(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current thresholdsignal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according toyet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merelyan example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations,alternatives, and modifications. The waveform 1202 represents theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as afunction of time within an on-time period, where the time is measuredfrom the beginning of the on-time period.

According to one embodiment, between 0 and a time threshold (e.g.,t_(h)), a positive slope of the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time is properly chosen tocompensate for the effects of “delay to output.” For example, theover-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increaseswith time from a minimum value (e.g., V_(oop) _(_) _(l) at 0) to amaximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h) at the time threshold t_(h)), asshown by the waveform 1202. Between the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)) anda maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), a negative slope of the over-currentthreshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time isproperly chosen to compensate for the effects of “delay to output,” insome embodiments. For example, the over-current threshold signal 2512(e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) decreases from the maximum value (e.g.,V_(ocp) _(_) _(h) at the time threshold t_(h)) to a low value (e.g.,V_(ocp) _(_) _(m) at the maximum time, t_(max)), as shown by thewaveform 1202. In yet another example, V_(ocp) _(_) _(m)<V_(ocp) _(_)_(h), and V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)<V_(ocp) _(_) _(h). In yet another example,Vocp_m is smaller than, equal to, or larger than Vocp_l.

FIG. 22(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-timeperiod using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function oftime within a switching period as shown in FIG. 22(a) according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. The waveforms 1204, 1206, 1208 and 1210 represent thecurrent sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of timecorresponding to bulk voltages V_(in13), V_(in14), V_(in15) and V_(in16)respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1204, 1206,1208 and 1210 are S₁₃, S₁₄, S₁₅, and S₁₆ respectively.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage,the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time, asshown by the waveforms 1204, 1206, 1208 and 1210. As shown in FIG. 22(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) withrespect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in some embodiments.For example, V_(in13)>V_(in14)>V_(in15)>V_(in16), and correspondinglyS₁₃>S₁₄>S₁₅>S₁₆. In another example, when the switch is closed (e.g.,turned on), the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increaseswith time in magnitude (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1202, 1204, 1206or 1208). In yet another example, when the current sensing signal 2514(e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-current threshold signal2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1202, 1204, 1206 or 1208), theover-current protection is triggered. In yet another example, duringT_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the current sensing signal 2514(e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude. The end of T_(delay)is the end of an on-time period of the switch 2540 during a switchingperiod (e.g., T_(on)) which corresponds to a time, in some embodiments.For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltages V_(in13),V_(in14), V_(in15) and V_(in16) correspond to the times, t_(R), t_(S),t_(T) and t_(U), respectively.

According to another embodiment, a system controller for protecting apower converter includes a signal generator a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more firstduty cycles. The signal generator is further configured to, for thesecond switching period, determine a first threshold signal value basedon at least information associated with the one or more first dutycycles, and generate the threshold signal equal to the determined firstthreshold signal value, the threshold signal being constant in magnitudeas a function of time for the second switching period. For example, thesystem controller is implemented according to at least FIG. 13(a), FIG.13(b), FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(b), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), FIG.16(a), FIG. 16(b), and/or FIG. 17.

According to another embodiment, a system controller for protecting apower converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more firstduty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period andan off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, forthe second switching period, determine a first threshold signal valuebased on at least information associated with the one or more first dutycycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if thetime satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate thethreshold signal equal to the determined first threshold signal value sothat the threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of thetime, and if the time satisfies one or more second predeterminedconditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signaldecreases with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the systemcontroller is implemented according to at least FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b),FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 19(b).

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protectinga power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more firstduty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period andan off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, forthe second switching period, determine a first threshold signal valuebased on at least information associated with the one or more first dutycycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and ifthe time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generatethe threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from thedetermined first threshold signal value, with the increasing time inmagnitude. For example, the system controller is implemented accordingto at least FIG. 20(a), FIG. 20(b), FIG. 21(a), and/or FIG. 21(b).

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protectinga power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and amodulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured togenerate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive thethreshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the thresholdsignal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signalindicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component iscoupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least thecomparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to aswitch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal beingassociated with a plurality of switching periods, each of the pluralityof switching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period.The signal generator is further configured to, for each of the pluralityof switching periods, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-timeperiod, if the time satisfies one or more first predeterminedconditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signalincreases with the increasing time in magnitude, and if the timesatisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generate thethreshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with theincreasing time in magnitude. For example, the system controller isimplemented according to at least FIG. 22(a), and/or FIG. 22(b).

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting apower converter includes a modulation and drive component, aramping-signal generator, a sampling-signal generator, and asample-and-hold component. The modulation and drive component isconfigured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to aswitch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configuredto receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based onat least information associated with the modulation signal. Thesampling-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signaland generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to afalling edge of the modulation signal. The sample-and-hold component isconfigured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal andoutput a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of theramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal. Forexample, the signal generator is implemented according to at least FIG.14(a), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 16(a), FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 21(a).

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting apower converter includes a modulation and drive component, aramping-signal generator, a sample-and-hold component, a filter-signalgenerator, and a low-pass filter. The modulation and drive component isconfigured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to aswitch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configuredto receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based onat least information associated with the modulation signal. Thesample-and-hold component is configured to receive the ramping signaland the modulation signal and output a sampled-and-held signalassociated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to themodulation signal. The filter-signal generator is configured to receivethe modulation signal and generate a filter signal based on at leastinformation associated with the modulation signal. The low-pass filteris configured to receive the filter signal and the sampled-and-heldsignal and, in response to the filter signal, generate a first signalbased on at least information associated with the sampled-and-heldsignal. For example, the signal generator is implemented according to atleast FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), and/or FIG. 17.

In one embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes,generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and acurrent sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. In addition, the method includes receiving at least thecomparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at leastinformation associated with the comparison signal, the drive signalbeing associated with one or more first switching periods and a secondswitching period following the one or more first switching periods, theone or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more dutycycles, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affectthe primary current. The process for generating a threshold signalincludes, for the second switching period, determining a thresholdsignal value based on at least information associated with the one ormore duty cycles; and generating the threshold signal equal to thedetermined threshold signal value, the threshold signal being constantin magnitude as a function of time for the second switching period. Forexample, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 13(a),FIG. 13(b), FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(b), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b),FIG. 16(a), FIG. 16(b), and/or FIG. 17.

In another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converterincludes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signaland a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. The method further includes receiving at least the comparisonsignal, generating a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associatedwith one or more first switching periods and a second switching periodfollowing the one or more first switching periods, the one or more firstswitching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the secondswitching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, andoutputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primarycurrent. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for thesecond switching period, determining a threshold signal value based onat least information associated with the one or more duty cycles,setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the timesatisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generating thethreshold signal equal to the determined threshold signal value so thatthe threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of the time,and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions,generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreaseswith the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the method isimplemented according to at least FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b), FIG. 19(a),and/or FIG. 19(b).

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converterincludes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signaland a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparisonsignal, generating a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associatedwith one or more first switching periods and a second switching periodfollowing the one or more first switching periods, the one or more firstswitching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the secondswitching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, andoutputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primarycurrent. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for thesecond switching period, determining a threshold signal value based onat least information associated with the one or more duty cycles,setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and if thetime satisfies one or more predetermined conditions, generating thethreshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from thedetermined threshold signal value, with the increasing time inmagnitude. For example, the method is implemented according to at leastFIG. 20(a), FIG. 20(b), FIG. 21(a), and/or FIG. 21(b).

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converterincludes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signaland a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating amagnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of apower converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the threshold signal and the current sensingsignal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparisonsignal, generating a drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associatedwith a plurality of switching periods, each of the plurality ofswitching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period,and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect theprimary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes,for each of the plurality of switching periods, setting a time to zeroat a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or morefirst predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so thatthe threshold signal increases with the increasing time in magnitude,and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions,generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreaseswith the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the method isimplemented according to at least FIG. 22(a), and/or FIG. 22(b).

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal forprotecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal tooutput a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary currentflowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving themodulation signal, and processing information associated with themodulation signal. The method further includes, generating a rampingsignal based on at least information associated with the modulationsignal, generating a sampling signal including a pulse in response to afalling edge of the modulation signal, receiving the sampling signal andthe ramping signal, and outputting a sampled-and-held signal associatedwith a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of thesampling signal. For example, the method is implemented according to atleast FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 16(a), FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 21(a).

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal forprotecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal tooutput a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary currentflowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving themodulation signal, and processing information associated with themodulation signal. The method further includes, generating a rampingsignal based on at least information associated with the modulationsignal, generating a filter signal based on at least informationassociated with the modulation signal, and receiving the ramping signaland the modulation signal. In addition, the method includes, outputtinga sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the rampingsignal in response to the modulation signal, receiving the filter signaland the sampled-and-held signal, and generating, in response to thefilter signal, a first signal based on at least information associatedwith the sampled-and-held signal. For example, the method is implementedaccording to at least FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), and/or FIG. 17.

For example, some or all components of various embodiments of thepresent invention each are, individually and/or in combination with atleast another component, implemented using one or more softwarecomponents, one or more hardware components, and/or one or morecombinations of software and hardware components. In another example,some or all components of various embodiments of the present inventioneach are, individually and/or in combination with at least anothercomponent, implemented in one or more circuits, such as one or moreanalog circuits and/or one or more digital circuits. In yet anotherexample, various embodiments and/or examples of the present inventioncan be combined.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that thereare other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scopeof the appended claims.

1.-25. (canceled)
 26. A signal generator for protecting a powerconverter, the signal generator comprising: a modulation and drivecomponent configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drivesignal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing througha primary winding of a power converter; a ramping-signal generatorconfigured to receive the modulation signal and generate a rampingsignal based on at least information associated with the modulationsignal; a sampling-signal generator configured to receive the modulationsignal and generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to afalling edge of the modulation signal; and a sample-and-hold componentconfigured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal andoutput a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of theramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal. 27.The signal generator of claim 26 wherein the modulation signal is apulse-width-modulation signal.
 28. The signal generator of claim 26wherein the modulation signal is the drive signal.
 29. The signalgenerator of claim 26 wherein the modulation signal is not the drivesignal.
 30. The signal generator of claim 26 wherein the modulation anddrive component includes: a modulation component configured to generatethe modulation signal; and a gate drive component configured to receivethe modulation signal and output the drive signal based on at leastinformation associated with the modulation signal.
 31. The signalgenerator of claim 26 wherein the modulation and drive componentincludes: a modulation component configured to generate a first signal;and a gate drive component configured to receive the first signal,generate the modulation signal based on at least information associatedwith the first signal, and output the modulation signal as the drivesignal.
 32. The signal generator of claim 26, and further comprising: acomparator configured to receive a threshold signal associated with thesampled-and-held signal and a current sensing signal associated with theprimary current and output a comparison signal to the modulation anddrive component based on at least information associated with thesampled-and-held signal and the current sensing signal.
 33. The signalgenerator of claim 32, and further comprising a low pass filterconfigured to receive the sampled-and-held signal and output thethreshold signal based on at least information associated with thesampled-and-held signal.
 34. The signal generator of claim 33 whereinthe sample-and-hold component and the low-pass filter share at least onecapacitor.
 35. The signal generator of claim 33 wherein thesample-and-hold component includes: a first switch configured to beclosed and open in response to the sampling signal; and a firstcapacitor configured to be charged in response to the ramping signalwhen the first switch is closed.
 36. The signal generator of claim 35wherein the low pass filter includes: a first resistor including a firstresistor terminal and a second resistor terminal, the first resistorterminal being coupled to the first switch; and a second capacitorcoupled to the second resistor terminal. 37.-39. (canceled)
 40. Thesignal generator of claim 26 wherein the ramping-signal generatorincludes, a capacitor configured to be charged in response to themodulation signal being at a first logic level and output the rampingsignal. 41.-42. (canceled)
 43. The signal generator of claim 26, andfurther comprising: a threshold-signal generator configured to receivethe sampled-and-held signal and generate a threshold signal based on atleast information associated with the sampled-and-held signal, themodulation signal being associated with one or more first switchingperiods and a second switching period following the one or more firstswitching periods, the one or more first switching periods correspondingto one or more first duty cycles, the second switching period includingan on-time period and an off-time period; wherein the threshold-signalgenerator is further configured to: determine a first threshold signalvalue based on at least information associated with the one or morefirst duty cycles; set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-timeperiod; and if the time satisfies one or more first predeterminedconditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signaldecreases, from the determined first threshold signal value, with theincreasing time in magnitude. 44.-45. (canceled)
 46. A signal generatorfor protecting a power converter, the signal generator comprising: amodulation and drive component configured to generate a modulationsignal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primarycurrent flowing through a primary winding of a power converter; aramping-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal andgenerate a ramping signal based on at least information associated withthe modulation signal; a sample-and-hold component configured to receivethe ramping signal and the modulation signal and output asampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the rampingsignal in response to the modulation signal; a filter-signal generatorconfigured to receive the modulation signal and generate a filter signalbased on at least information associated with the modulation signal; anda low-pass filter configured to receive the filter signal and thesampled-and-held signal and, in response to the filter signal, generatea first signal based on at least information associated with thesampled-and-held signal.
 47. The signal generator of claim 46 whereinthe modulation signal is the drive signal.
 48. The signal generator ofclaim 46 wherein the modulation signal is not the drive signal.
 49. Thesignal generator of claim 46 wherein the sample-and-hold component andthe low-pass filter share at least one capacitor.
 50. The signalgenerator of claim 46 wherein the modulation and drive componentincludes: a modulation component configured to generate the modulationsignal; and a gate drive component configured to receive the modulationsignal and output the drive signal based on at least informationassociated with the modulation signal.
 51. The signal generator of claim46, and further comprising a comparator configured to receive the firstsignal as a threshold signal and a current sensing signal associatedwith the primary current and output a comparison signal to themodulation and drive component based on at least information associatedwith the sampled-and-held signal and the current sensing signal.
 52. Thesignal generator of claim 46 wherein the sample-and-hold componentincludes: a first switch configured to be closed and open in response tothe sampling signal; and a first capacitor configured to be charged inresponse to the ramping signal when the first switch is closed.
 53. Thesignal generator of claim 52 wherein the low pass filter includes: asecond switch configured to be closed and open in response to the filtersignal; and a second capacitor configured to be charged when the secondswitch is closed.
 54. The signal generator of claim 46 wherein theramping-signal generator includes, a capacitor configured to be chargedin response to the modulation signal being at a first logic level andoutput the ramping signal. 55.-56. (canceled)
 57. The signal generatorof claim 46 wherein the modulation signal is a pulse-width-modulationsignal.
 58. The signal generator of claim 46 wherein the modulation anddrive component includes: a modulation component configured to generatethe modulation signal; and a gate drive component configured to receivethe modulation signal and output the drive signal based on at leastinformation associated with the modulation signal.
 59. The signalgenerator of claim 46 wherein the modulation and drive componentincludes: a modulation component configured to generate a first signal;and a gate drive component configured to receive the first signal,generate the modulation signal based on at least information associatedwith the first signal, and output the modulation signal as the drivesignal. 60.-65. (canceled)
 66. A method for generating a signal forprotecting a power converter, the method comprising: generating amodulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order toaffect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a powerconverter; receiving the modulation signal; processing informationassociated with the modulation signal; generating a ramping signal basedon at least information associated with the modulation signal;generating a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a fallingedge of the modulation signal; receiving the sampling signal and theramping signal; and outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated witha magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of thesampling signal.
 67. A method for generating a signal for protecting apower converter, the method comprising: generating a modulation signalto output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primarycurrent flowing through a primary winding of a power converter;receiving the modulation signal; processing information associated withthe modulation signal; generating a ramping signal based on at leastinformation associated with the modulation signal; generating a filtersignal based on at least information associated with the modulationsignal; receiving the ramping signal and the modulation signal;outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of theramping signal in response to the modulation signal; receiving thefilter signal and the sampled-and-held signal; and generating, inresponse to the filter signal, a first signal based on at leastinformation associated with the sampled-and-held signal.